When Your New Smile Feels “Off”: The Hidden Danger Behind Cosmetic Dentistry
- You got the smile makeover.
- The veneers look beautiful.
- Your teeth are white, even, and everything lines up in photos.
But a few weeks or months later…
- You notice something isn’t quite right.
- Your bite feels off.
- You can’t chew on one side.
- Your jaw clicks or pops
You’re waking up with headaches or tension. And suddenly, the smile that made you feel amazing… is now making you uncomfortable.
It’s Not Just About the Smile—It’s About the System Behind It
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving your smile’s appearance: the colour, shape,
length, and alignment of your teeth. But what many people don’t realize is that your
smile sits on top of a much more complex system:
- Your bite
- Your jaw joint (TMJ)
The muscles that help you chew, talk, and function every day If any part of that system isn’t working properly, your new smile, no matter how good it looks, might not feel good at all.
The Problem? It’s Often the Jaw Joint (TMJ)
Many cosmetic procedures don’t account for TMJ health.So what happens is this: your dentist designs your new smile based on your facial aesthetics, but not on how your jaw moves or how your bite functions. The result?
- Your bite shifts after the procedure
- Your jaw gets locked into a position it doesn’t like
- Muscles strain to adapt to the new alignment
- You start noticing pain, popping, or even changes in the way your teeth come
together
In other words, the problem isn’t your veneers. It’s that they were placed on top of an unstable joint.
Warning Signs Your Joint May Be Unstable (Before Veneers)
Ask yourself:
- Has your bite changed recently?
- Do your teeth feel like they don’t “fit” the way they used to?
- Have you noticed jaw clicking, popping, or tightness?
- Do you clench or grind your teeth at night (even if you’re not aware of it)?
- Are your front teeth flat or worn down?
These aren’t just dental concerns. They’re functional red flags—and if ignored, they can lead to cosmetic work that looks great but fails quickly.
How We Prevent These Problems at Smiles by Bis
When we plan a smile makeover, we don’t just look at your teeth; we look at everything that affects them. That includes your bite, your jaw joint, and your muscle activity.
Here’s what we check (and why it matters):
✅ Jaw Joint & Muscle Screening
We test how your joints function and whether your muscles are in balance, so we
know if your current bite is healthy or just “adapted.”
✅ Finding the Right Bite Position
Hidden Dangers Cosmetic Dentistry Blog SmilesByBis Blog Sometimes your body is compensating for a bad bite. We use various types of technology to assess and find your true bite before doing any permanent work.
✅ Stabilizing Before We Start
If we find signs of instability, we may recommend wearing a temporary orthotic or splint first. That helps us understand how your body responds before locking in anything permanent.
✅ Designing a Smile That Protects Your Joints
We design veneers, crowns, or cosmetic restorations that fit your face AND your function—so you can chew, speak, and smile comfortably for years.
✅ Following Up After Delivery
Even the best joints can adapt in unexpected ways. We monitor your results, check for pressure points, and make adjustments as needed.
You deserve a smile that’s beautiful, comfortable, and designed to last. If you’ve had cosmetic work done that doesn’t feel quite right, or if you’re thinking about a smile makeover, don’t ignore the warning signs. Your smile isn’t just what you see. It’s what you feel every time you eat, talk, or wake up in the morning. And if something’s not working behind the scenes, no amount of porcelain can fix it, unless the system is addressed first.
Thinking About a Smile Makeover?
Let’s do it the right way; together. At Smiles by Bis, we design cosmetic dentistry that works as beautifully as it looks. We protect your bite, your jaw, and your investment; so your smile isn’t just new… it’sustainable.
– Written by Dr. Agatha Bis
Book your cosmetic consultation in Oakville
Visit us at smilesbybis.com
Call us at (905) 338-6684